Mizoram R-Day flag hoist on ’empty’ ground

AIZAWL: The so-called Citizenship amendment Bill is facing stiff opposition in the Northeastern states of India. In fact, in Mizoram, Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan addressed an almost empty ground on the occasion of 70th Republic Day celebration at Aizawl. Civil society responded positively to massive protests and boycott call given by various organisations against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2016, and stayed away from the state function.

The Republic Day celebration function was held at Assam Rifles ground, Aizawl and general public had boycotted the function, according to the local media.

According to the reports, only ministers, legislators, officials of the Mizoram government had attended the function.

The bill seeks to bar Muslim migrants from Bangladesh to Assam and the Northeast as ‘infiltrators’ or ‘illegal occupants’ but turns a blind eye to other Bangladeshis who have crossed over the border – those who are non-Muslims. The protesters staged protest in front of the parade ground and shouted slogans against the controversial bill.

This year, the R-Day celebrations seemed to be low key. Generally, up to 30 contingents traditionally take part in the Republic Day parade, but only six armed contingents took part in the event this year.

The Mizoram Governor said in his speech that the state government is committed to promote and preserve the Mizo identity, tradition, cultures, values and the state government would introduce the Socio-Economic Development Policy aiming in socio-economic development in the state.Protests are going on in Assam and other states of the North Eastern region against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), which aims to grant Indian citizenship to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

the 70th Republic Day was celebrated in Assam and other parts of North Eastern region peacefully despite boycott called by eight banned militant outfits of the region.

Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi hoisted the tricolour national flag at Khanapara parade ground in Guwahati and extended greetings to the people of the state.

Mizoram CM threatens to sever ties with NEDA: Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Thursday threatened to sever ties with the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) if the Centre does not withdraw the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to migrants from six non-Muslim minority groups from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Addressing MNF workers at Aibawk village, Zoramthanga said the party and his government had been making all-out efforts to ensure the defeat of the bill.